Obama agenda: Another opportunity to talk about the auto rescue

President Obama addresses the United Autoworkers union today in DC. The New York Times previewed the speech and the UAW’s efforts: “The United Automobile Workers union, a primary beneficiary of President Obama’s decision to rescue domestic carmakers, is now trying to return the favor.” The UAW and other unions will “put their vast political organizations into motion behind Mr. Obama, testing their power in a difficult economy after years of declining membership.”

Obama today “will talk about steps to ensure that the economic recovery lasts and to signal to them that he shares their concerns about income inequality and preserving the middle class,” the Times continues. “One of organized labor’s motivating issues in the election is addressing disparities in wealth…. In an attempt to outnumber Republicans at the polls in November, union officials are getting an early start with voter registration drives in their plants. Successful efforts to curb collective bargaining rights in neighboring states like Wisconsin and Indiana are adding to a sense of urgency already heightened by the steep decline in ranks. The union has about 400,000 members — less than a third of its size 30 years ago.”

The Boston Globe previews Obama’s New Hampshire trip Thursday: “President Obama will tout his economic plans, with a focus on energy, at Nashua Community College in New Hampshire on Thursday afternoon, the White House announced this evening. It will be the president’s second visit to the general election swing state in the last three months.”

AP: “President Barack Obama plans to announce Tuesday the creation of a new enforcement office to challenge what the White House calls unfair trade practices worldwide.”